What Do I Need to Do After Receiving My Green Card?

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) to all permanent residents as proof that they are authorized to live and work in the United States. After receiving your Green Card, it is necessary that you take certain actions to preserve your legal permanent status.

What do I need to do after receiving my Green Card?

Family-Based Conditional Permanent Residents

• Have a valid Green Card in your possession at all times.
• Replace your card by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card if:
• Your previous card was lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed;
• Your card contains incorrect information;
• You have legally changed your name or other biographic information on the card since you last received your card; or
• You never received the previous card USCIS issued to you.
• File Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence to remove conditions within 90 days before the expiration of your conditional Green Card.

Lawful Permanent Residents

• Have a valid Green Card in your possession at all times.
• Replace your card by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card if:
• Your Green Card is either expired or will expire within the next six months;
• Your previous card was lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed;
• Your card contains incorrect information;
• You have legally changed your name or other biographic information on the card since you last received your card;
• You never received the previous card USCIS issued to you; or
• You have a previous version of the alien registration card (for example, USCIS Form AR-3, Form AR-103 or Form I-151, which are no longer valid to prove your immigration status).

It is important that you follow through in taking all of the above actions that apply to you, or risk losing your Green Card and the many benefits that come with it.

If you have any questions about your Green Card or any other immigration matter, contact our attorneys at the Law Offices of Azita M. Mojarad, P.C. Our experienced immigration attorneys can address your concerns and advise you of the proper course of action.